Connect

 

 

Aphasia, which often occurs after stroke, means people struggle to communicate. Some people can’t speak at all, some just have a few words. It can lead to depression and isolation. ‘It’s a unique experience’ said one person with aphasia.

 

Wandsworth Primary Care Trustand Wandsworth Borough Council, have arranged for the charity Connect – the communication disability network - to offer a communication support service to work with people with aphasia, to discover new opportunities and develop new roles, promoting confidence in their conversation skills and the chance to feel more involved.

 

The service co-ordinator is Wasi Daniju

Tel: 0207 367 0844   Email: wasidaniju@ukconnect.org. I

 

One service on offer is ‘Befriending’ which means people with aphasia visit other people with aphasia in their own homes or in hospital. As they have experienced aphasia themselves, they are in the best position to support others, share tips, and become a friend to people who suddenly find themselves unable to speak. As one person put it ‘it’s not so frightening with a befriender’.

 

People can join a special ‘Hub’ which will advise local services on the best services and opportunities for people with aphasia.

 

People can also attend a conversation group which offers a chance to chat within a supported environment, or indeed arrange to be visited by a specially trained volunteer within their own home.

 

The concept has been tried out in other areas with great success. Carol Fletcher who was involved in Befriending in Cornwall says ‘My life would have been completely different without the Connect service. It’s just brilliant!’

 

Sally McVicker, Director of Services at Connect said ‘We are delighted to be providing this service for people with aphasia in Wandsworth. At the heart of the concept is people with aphasia supporting others with aphasia. We’ve shown it works in other areas and importantly it’s offering a service in line with the guidelines of the National Stroke Strategy’.